Siena Can't Hold on in OT, Iona Wins MAAC and Advance to NCAA Tournament
Photo: Jake Martino/Upstate Sports Zone
Finally, what we have all been waiting for, Championship night for the MAAC tournament! A rematch of last year’s semi-final matchup, we knew we would be in for a good one.
Siena is red hot coming in off the huge win against #1 seed Monmouth in a stunning upset. This is just what they need after Iona upset St. Peters on Sunday night. Iona and Siena played each other twice this season, splitting the series at 1 game apiece. Iona is on a little run for themselves winning 7 straight, and especially 7 straight wins against Siena at the TU. Siena took advantage on the road at Iona in the second time the met this season, just edging the Gaels.
It all started with Ogunyemi for the Saints, scoring the first four points for the Saints to give them an early 4-2 lead. Jordan Washington also got hot scoring Iona’s first six points. With 15:33 Siena kept the early lead going, 12-8. On the tip by Washington, Bisping game right back down the floor to give Siena an 8-point lead. Iona came right back from that eight-point lead, going on a 10-0 run to tie the game at 23. Siena got right back into the lead with 3:46 left win Wright hit a 3 and then Lavon followed with a put back to give the Saints a one-point lead. Siena had a hard time shooting free throws in the first half, 4-13, 30.8%. Wright and Washington were tied for total points in the first half. Siena led at the half 37-35, a big confidence boost heading into the second half.
Much got hot for Iona to start the second half, scoring back to back threes to Iona a six-point lead. Iona coming out rebounding better. Iona 5 of last 7, Siena 2 of last 9 to start the half. Iona’s three-point game stays hot. Brett Bisping led Siena to an 8-0 run to bring Siena within one with 9:54 left to go. During that stretch Siena held Iona to no points in over two minutes. Siena retook the lead when Bessik was charged with his fourth foul giving Marquis Wright a three ball, just like that Siena had a two-point lead. Jordan Washington delt with foul trouble the whole game, with 7:55 he was charged with his fourth foul. Ashante Shivers got hot for the Saints, having the game of his life. Throwing down the slam with 4:00 left, putting Siena down one. Siena hits two big free throws to tie it up, Iona misses game winner, going into OT. Iona wins the jump ball to begin OT, answer first by Washington on a layup. Wright shoots a fadaway jumper, misses but gets fouled, goes to the line and sinks 2. Back and forth battle in OT, Iona hits but Siena responds. Iona held on to beat Siena in a close game 87-86 to advance to march madness.
After the loss, Patsos added “What a special three days. Thank you to our fans, administration, community.” “We didn’t quit. Tonight we were fine. We needed one or two stops. They got us in overtime but we didn’t quit. Ogunyemi, Nico Clareth, Marquis Wright and Brett Bisping were named to the MAAC all-tournament team, all seniors excluding Nico.
What an amazing ride it was for Siena, glad I got to cover it with you. As for Iona, they await their seed next Sunday. For continued coverage of the MAAC, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
